From our studios in Tokyo, this is NHK NewsLine. I'm Ross Mihara.
SUMMERS TO QUIT AS HARVARD PROFESSOR OVER EPSTEIN TIES
Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers says he'll resign as a professor at Harvard University.
This comes after the release of documents showing he had a close relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Summers said in a statement he'd made what he called a difficult decision to retire from his professorship at the end of the academic year.
Media reports say emails released in November show Summers maintained a deeply personal relationship with Epstein, even after Epstein became a registered sex offender.
Still, they also say there's no evidence Summers committed any wrongdoing.
BILL GATES APOLOGIZES OVER TIES WITH EPSTEIN
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates apologized for bringing executives of his Gates Foundation into meetings with Epstein.
It quotes Gates as saying this was a huge mistake, but also quotes him as saying he did and saw nothing illicit.
A growing number of celebrities and business executives in the United States have stepped down after their ties to Epstein became known.
TOKYO POLICE ARREST CHINESE MAN FOR NARITA EXPRESS THEFT
Tokyo police have arrested a man on suspicion of stealing from a tourist backpack on an express train. They've identified the suspect as a Chinese citizen.
They say he targeted a line that links Narita Airport with central Tokyo and is popular with foreign visitors.
58-year-old Long Yongjun is suspected of theft and fraud, but reportedly denies the allegations. The incident took place on a Narita Express train last month.
Police say Long stole a credit card and 100,000 yen, or about $640, from a backpack placed on an overhead rack by a Chinese tourist.
They say he then used the card to buy a camera worth about $14,000.
Long was arrested on February 9 for a similar incident.
Police say he was apprehended while allegedly attempting to steal cash from another Chinese tourist on a Narita-bound train.
Long entered Japan last month on a 30-day short-stay visa.
He reportedly made several visits to Japan in the past.
The Narita Express has been the site of dozens of cases of cash and car theft since last fall.
Police are investigating whether Long was involved in the other cases.
HONG KONG GRAPPLES WITH KEEPING ITS COLONIAL PAST
It's been nearly 30 years since the UK returned Hong Kong to China.
Now there are questions about whether to keep its colonial history alive.
Earlier I spoke with NHK World's Oda Makoto, who has been following this in Hong Kong.
00:03:02 話者 2/Oda Makoto
This is Victoria Park, one of Hong Kong's largest green spaces.
Surrounded by high rises, it's not only a place for citizens to relax.
It's also a reminder of the city's history.
And if you look over there, you can see the bronze statue of Queen Victoria near the entrance. Of course, the park is also named after her.
She was monarch when Hong Kong was transferred to Britain in the 19th century.
Today, she symbolizes the city's 150 years of British rule.
But that doesn't sit well with everyone.
Some say this park should be renamed something more Chinese.
But others say British rule is part of Hong Kong's history, and it should be preserved and passed down to the next generation.
I was curious, so I set out to understand both sides of the debate.
00:04:09 話者 3
Double-decker trams. Beautiful stone architecture.
No matter where you look in Hong Kong, Britain's influence is everywhere.
That's especially true here in a tiny museum tucked into a corner of downtown.
The building is filled with mementos from Hong Kong's British past, like this 80-year-old Union Jack or a commemorative plaque marking Queen Elizabeth's visit.
This lion, wearing a crown and holding a pearl, was once a symbol of Hong Kong.
It was even used as a government crest. It was all gathered by Bran Aung.
A born and raised Hongkonger, he's collected about 30,000 items related to Britain's rule.
00:05:06 話者 4/Bryan Ong/The Museum Victoria City
This is a ceremonial military uniform. It was also used when the British military withdrew.
I grew up in Hong Kong, so I feel attached to these things. There's beauty in them.
00:05:23 話者 3
Britain occupied Hong Kong after the First Opium War in the 19th century.
Over the next 150 years, Britain expanded the area's infrastructure, building roads and railways. It also instilled freedom and rule of law, building the foundation for Hong Kong to become an international city.
The region was returned to China in 1997. The one country, two systems principle allowed Hong Kong a certain amount of autonomy.
For decades, capitalism and freedom of speech continued to flourish.
But now, 30 years later, that's changing. Beijing has been tightening its control.
And increasingly, Hong Kong's history has been changing to focus on China.
This government-run museum is a prime example.
Before, portraits of former British governors were prominently on display.
But during a renovation six years ago, they disappeared.
replaced by materials promoting Chinese patriotism.
The question has even spilled out onto the streets.
Many of Hong Kong's roads were built during the British era.
Some now argue those names should be changed to something Chinese.
00:06:57 話者 13/Hong Kong Legislative Council member
We Hong Kongers have inherited the work of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
We shouldn't just praise things done in the past, but the new things being done today.
00:07:09 話者 3
As the city moves away from its colonial past, some fear the face of Hong Kong is changing.
That's why Brian Aung wants to share that history.
Today, he offers tours of his collection so people can understand the city they live in.
00:07:31 話者 15
The names of these places have interesting histories.
I want people to know about where they grew up.
00:07:42 話者 3
Many citizens have come to take the tour.
For some, it's a chance to share their memories of what Hong Kong used to be.
00:07:52 話者 16
I feel that many of these old things are disappearing in modern times.
That's why I want to learn about the place where I was born and raised.
I think we need to continue to cherish these things.
00:08:10 話者 17
Many participants want to gather and connect these fragments of Hong Kong's past.
Some say it's nostalgic, but ultimately it's just history.
Every place has a history, and it should be discussed based on facts.
I hope people will learn about the old Hong Kong through my collection.
00:08:42 話者 1
So, Makoto, as we mentioned, Hong Kong was returned to China almost 30 years ago.
Why is this happening now?
00:08:52 話者 2
Well, China puts a lot of value on national security, and it considers certain values, like freedom and democracy, as a threat to its stability.
So Beijing has been trying to stamp those out.
And actually, you can feel it most right here in Victoria Park.
Every year on June 4, people would gather here to mark the anniversary of the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
Nearly 200,000 citizens, at most, would take part.
The gathering symbolized Hong Kong's freedom of speech and assembly, even after being returned to China.
But now it's gone. The last assembly was in 2019.
For many, pulling away from the British history also means losing these freedoms and values.
00:09:54 話者 1
I'm sure that's part of the reason why some people want to talk about Hong Kong's colonial period.
00:10:03 話者 2
Exactly. In these changing times, a lot of people want to stop and look at how things used to be.
You have to consider that people here grew up in a different political, economic and social reality than those in mainland China.
They have built a strong identity as Hong Kongers.
As the Chinese government tightens its grip, many here are feeling stifled, but I think people here will give in so easily.
RUBIO CRITICIZES IRAN'S MISSILE PROGRAM AHEAD OF THIRD-ROUND TALKS
00:10:46 話者 1
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says high-level talks with Iran on Thursday will largely focus on its nuclear program.
Ahead of the negotiations, Rubio criticized Tehran for refusing to discuss ballistic missiles, but expressed hope that progress would be made.
US and Iranian officials are due to hold a third round of talks in Geneva.
Rubio said Iran is trying to rebuild elements of its nuclear program after the US attacked its facilities last June.
He also touched on Tehran's ballistic missile program, calling it an unsustainable threat.
00:11:21 話者 23
It's also important to remember that Iran refuses, refuses to talk about the ballistic missiles, to us or to anyone, and that's a big problem.
00:11:31 話者 1
Rubio claimed that Iran is trying to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.
The talks come amid rising tensions between the two countries.
The US has stepped up pressure on Iran by sending 2 aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East.
N.KOREA TO BUILD UP NUCLEAR ARSENAL, BUT OPEN TO US TIES
Pyongyang will continue to build nuclear weapons and missiles.
That's according to North Korean state media.
But while it's shoring up its arsenal, the country is also leaving the door open to rebuild diplomatic relations with the United States.
Leader Kim Jong-un reportedly revealed the country's nuclear plans at the ruling Workers' Party Congress. The week-long session in Pyongyang ended Wednesday.
Kim said the North has a long-term plan to strengthen its nuclear force.
That includes increasing the number of weapons and expanding nuclear operations.
He also mentioned secret arsenals that are said to include ground- or submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Kim also spoke of strategic assets for attacking enemy satellites.
Kim reportedly said the North will fully prepare for confrontation with the US, but also said there is no reason why the two countries can't get along if Washington withdraws its hostile policy toward the North.
Kim also criticized South Korea, calling President Lee Jae-myong's attempt to establish dialogue with the North deceptive.
Kim said Pyongyang will continue to treat South Korea as a hostile enemy.
HEAVY RAINS IN BRAZIL LEAVE MORE THAN 40 DEAD
Record heavy rains in Brazil have left at least 40 people dead and many others missing.
Torrential rainfall from Monday through Wednesday triggered landslides and flooding in parts of the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.
In the worst-hit city of Juiz de Fora, more than 3,500 people are said to have evacuated, including those who lost their homes in landslides.
Authorities are searching for roughly 30 people believed to be unaccounted for.
00:13:35 話者 35
We are working on this search for the victims and will continue working around the clock for some time, since the operation is meticulous and the scale of the disaster is considerable.
00:13:47 話者 1
Officials say the intense downpours exacerbated the damage.
The total rainfall was triple the expected amount for February.
CHINA, GERMANY AGREE TO STEP UP ECONOMIC COOPERATION
The leaders of China and Germany have pledged to strengthen economic cooperation.
and other ties between their countries.
Xi Jinping and Friedrich Merz held talks in Beijing on Wednesday.
00:14:11 話者 45
I am willing to work together with the Chancellor to continue advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany to new heights.
00:14:24 話者 1
Xi also called for cooperation in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.
Merz expressed a desire to deepen ties with China.
We want to continue an open dialogue with mutual respect.
00:14:40 話者 46
We wish to emphasize the things we have in common and face the challenges we stand before together.
00:14:49 話者 1
The two sides issued a joint statement after the talks.
It says they will boost economic cooperation as well as adhere to the principles of multilateralism and free trade.
Maersch also told reporters that he urged Xi to resolve the issue of Taiwan by peaceful means without using military force.
He said any rise in tensions in the Indo-Pacific region would affect wide areas, including Europe.
European leaders, including from France and Britain, have visited China in recent months.
This comes as US President Donald Trump pursues his America First policy.
BUSINESS
Now for more business stories, here's Gene Otani.
00:15:30 話者 6/Gene Otani
Ross, thanks. In our top business story this hour,
NIKKEI 225 SETS ALL-TIME CLOSING HIGH FOR 2ND STRAIGHT DAY
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index marked its highest ever close on Thursday for the second straight session.
The result followed an overnight rally in New York. The bullish mood came on speculation.
SHARES RISE ON POTENTIAL BOJ PERSONNEL RESHUFFLE
The Bank of Japan may not raise its policy rate as early as expected.
This could prolong the yen's weakness.
The benchmark finished at 58,753, adding nearly 0.3%.
Software-related shares led the way.
It briefly topped the 59,000 level for the first time, but later lost steam on profit-taking.
The index gained 2.2% the day before.
Japan's government has submitted two nominees to join the central bank's board.
They are Sato Ayano at Aoyama Gakuin University and Asada Toichiro with Chiyo University.
Both are seen as aligned with Prime Minister Takeichi Sanae's economic strategy and supportive of a looser monetary policy.
Their past publications and speeches indicate they hold views consistent with what Takaichi calls a responsible and proactive fiscal policy.
If the Diet approves the nominees, they would replace two people on the BOJ's nine-member board, which votes on interest rate policies.
NVIDIA POSTS RECORD QUARTERLY NET PROFIT, SALES ON AI DEMAND
US semiconductor giant Nvidia reported record quarterly net income and revenue in the November to January period, thanks to strong chip demand at data centers.
Nvidia on Wednesday said net income for the three months jumped 94% year-on-year to nearly $43 billion. Revenue surged 73% to more than $68 billion.
Sales at its data center division soared 75%, reflecting a surge in spending on AI-related infrastructure by US technology companies.
JAPAN DEPARTMENT STORE SALES REBOUNDED IN JANUARY
Department store sales in Japan rebounded in January.
Domestic demand for luxury goods was robust.
It made-up for lower sales by overseas travelers.
The Japan Department Stores Association says revenues at existing stores rose 2.3 percent from the same month last year to about 490 billion yen, or $3 billion.
That's the first year-on-year increase in two months.
The association attributes the rebound to higher demand for luxury items
Sales of artworks, jewelry, and precious metals, including brand-name watches and bags, surged more than 17% from the year before.
An association official says affluent customers in Japan are eager to spend as a stock market rally is helping increase their wealth.
Meanwhile, sales of tax-free goods for inbound visitors tumbled 19% to $320 million, marking the third straight month of decline.
China's call for its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan may have contributed to the fall.
JAPAN'S PRIVATE-SECTOR RICE IMPORTS SURGE IN JANUARY
Rice imports by Japan's private sector are rising as high prices for domestic grain drive demand for alternative supplies.
The imports jumped almost twelvefold in January from a year ago.
Finance ministry figures released on Thursday show.
Companies imported more than 4,900 tons of milled rice in January.
That compares with 414 tons in the same month a year earlier.
Rice from the US made-up the largest amount at just above 3,400 tons.
Thailand and Vietnam were the next biggest.
Japan has two channels for importing rice.
One is through a government framework known as minimum access.
The other is by private firms that pay a tariff of 341 yen or about $2 per kilogram.
The agriculture ministry says even with the tariff, the imported grain is cheaper than domestic rice.
JAPAN'S HOMEGROWN RICE METHOD TAKES ROOT
Japan's traditional way of growing rice is very labor-intensive, and with farming households declining and fewer people wanting to work in agriculture, the industry has problems.
NHK World's Chihara Arisai looks at a new method of rice farming that may offer one solution.
00:20:31 話者 7/Chihara Arisai
A farmer is preparing a field to plant rice.
He is using a method known as dry direct seeding.
This involves putting seeds and fertilizer in dry soil fallows.
When the seeds sprout, the field is flooded.
This is different from the traditional method to grow seedlings elsewhere and then transplant them to a flooded field.
The new method requires special machinery, so the initial investment is costly.
But it cuts working hours by a third, bringing down production costs by about 10%.
00:21:23 話者 57
I think this will lighten the workload. I hope more young people will go into rice farming.
00:21:31 話者 7
Aichi Prefecture is supporting the shift to this new method by developing technologies.
The prefecture's agricultural research center was asked by farmers for help in improving production efficiency.
The center developed the new method and has been promoting it for three decades.
Today, Aichi has more land used for dry direct seeding than any other prefecture.
But dry fields are easily overgrown with weeds, meaning farmers must rely more on herbicides.
The center is working with farm equipment companies to develop a weeding machine.
They hope that within a year,
They will have a prototype that removes weeds without damaging rice seedlings.
00:22:32 話者 58
It's important this method can be used consistently.
We're developing technology in the hope of providing support.
00:22:40 話者 7
The central government is also encouraging direct seeding. A conference organized by the Agriculture Ministry drew industry people from across the country.
They showed great interest in what is being done in Aichi.
00:23:00 話者 59
We're losing our agricultural workforce.
I was impressed to learn that we can grow rice in such a way.
Greater efficiency will be increasingly important in the future.
I believe the technology we've developed will be useful.
00:23:14 話者 7
Farmers across the country are adapting this method, and the government plans to include support in the budget for fiscal 2026.
Unpredictable harvests and other challenges remain.
But with funding and technological support, this new method could transform rice farming in Japan.
Chihara Arisa, NHK World.
MARKETS
00:23:42 話者 6
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
♪
And that's it for business news.
♫
WEATHER
00:24:37 話者 1
Now it's time to check out the world weather.
After prolonged rain, spring-like warmth is greeting France.
Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has more.
00:24:47 話者 8/Yumi Hirano
A combination of warm air and sunny skies made high temperatures in France.
People in Palace saw over 20 degrees for the first time this year.
Sunny skies and warm weather finally made a return to Palace on Wednesday after a long spell of wet weather.
According to Meteo France, highs climbed above 20 degrees in the capital.
Locals and tourists gathered on the banks of the iconic Seine for picnics and brisk work.
A nice way to celebrate some sunshine after almost 40 days of back-to-back rain.
A high-pressure system is expected to cover much of Europe, bringing warm and dry conditions.
But a storm system is moving toward the British Isles and Scandinavia.
It's expected to bring showers to low-lying areas, so snowy regions should watch out for avalanches and flooding due to melting snow.
The highest level of warning for avalanches is in effect for southern Norway.
Sunny skies are expected in Paris, Lisbon, and Madrid, with highs around 20.
The temperature in Berlin will be 16, which is as warm as in May.
The warmth is likely to continue a couple of more days.
Moving to Asia, a stationary front is bringing widespread showers to southern China.
Up to 80 millimeters of rain is possible in Fujian Province by Friday, with a risk of gusty winds and lightning.
The same system may reach western Japan on Friday.
Showers are likely in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei.
Tokyo may see cloudy skies with a high of 15.
That's it for now. Have a nice day.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:41 話者 1
I'm Ross Mihora in Tokyo. We thank you for joining us on NHK Newsline.
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